Spied: 2014 Mercedes A25 AMG

The formula for building a modern Mercedes-Benz AMG model usually starts with a turbocharged engine sending all that tire-scorching power to the rear wheels. That’s why the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG is such a departure for Affalterbach, as it’s its first front-drive based model in pretty much ever. Our European-based automotive paparazzo recently caught an A25 AMG mule wearing very little camouflage just outside of AMG’s German HQ.

These spy shots give us the closest look yet to the Mercedes A25 AMG hot hatch. Unlike the last tester we caught, this one is wearing very light camo on its front and rear bumpers, and its grille. Up front the A25 AMG appears to get a unique grille; the more pedestrian A-Class has a traditional Mercedes grille on base models and a diamond-look grille on AMG Sport models. The A25 AMG adds another grille to the mix, with mesh trim and a single horizontal bar.

Though the front bumper is cloaked in black plastic cladding, we can make out its larger air intakes that keep the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger cool as it sends its rumored 350 hp to all four wheels. Designed to go toe-to-toe with the Audi RS3 Sportback, the A25 AMG will likely come standard with Mercedes’ seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A six-speed manual transmission has been rumored, though we wouldn’t count on it.

From its profile, the Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG only differs slightly from the standard A-Class. Unique to the A25 are larger brakes, new side sills, and a slightly lower suspension. The wheels look to be the same units found on the A-Class AMG Sport.

Out back the changes are again minor, with the only obvious change the being the addition of square-tipped exhaust pipes. We wouldn’t be surprised if the A25 AMG retained the aggressive-looking bumpers on the A-Class AMG Sport.

The Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG is slated to debut late this year.Thanks to: Motor Trend